CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 10 assists 15 disaster-affected localities in Northern Mindanao in December 2022.
Through its Disaster Response Management Division, DSWD-10 successfully implemented the cash-for-work program across multiple areas, including Alubijid, Balingasag, Balingoan, Binoangan, Claveria, El Salvador City, Gitagum, Kinoguitan, Laguindingan, Magsaysay, and Salay in Misamis Oriental; Mambajao in Camiguin; Iligan City; and San Fernando and Valencia City in Bukidnon.
Identifying 264 families as survivors, DSWD and local government units collaborated to address the aftermath of heavy flash floods that ravaged homes and properties.
Ramel F. Jamen, Regional Director of DSWD Field Office 10, acknowledged the complexity of disaster recovery. He emphasized the difficult situation that affected families are in, particularly those whose livelihoods, which are primarily dependent on farming and construction labor, require significant improvement to meet daily needs.
Beneficiaries with totally damaged houses engaged in 10-day community work, while those with partially damaged houses participated for 5 days. Their work commenced from February 5 to 16, 2024. Activities included communal gardening and community clean-up drives, contributing not only to their recovery but also to mitigating future climate-related risks.
Cash assistance provided to beneficiaries will be utilized for housing repairs and daily necessities, offering a crucial lifeline during this challenging period.
“Kaning kwarta nga akong nadawat, akong ipalit og atop sa akong balay, kay wala pa gyud naayo hantod karon, sukad 'tong naagian mi og shearline. Nagpasalamat ko sa DSWD sa tabang nga ilang gihatag [With this money I received, I will buy a roof for my house because it has not been repaired until now, since we were passed by the Shearline. I thank the DSWD for the help they have given],” said Orlando Bagtong, a beneficiary from Balingoan, Misamis Oriental.
Maria Laguitan, a beneficiary from Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, shared, “Nagpasalamat ko sa DSWD sa ayuda tungod dako kaayo nig tabang. Makapalit ko og bugas, sud-an, ug uban pang mga panginahanglan sa akong panimalay [I am thankful to DSWD for the aid because this is such a big help. I can buy rice, viand, and other needs for my house].”
The cash-for-work program not only offers temporary employment but also serves as a vital support system for economically disadvantaged families, disaster- and climate-change-vulnerable communities, and victims of natural and human-induced disasters. (DSWD-10/PIA-10)
